A professional dental cleaning is a preventative care appointment designed to remove hardened plaque, known as calculus or tartar, that cannot be cleared by regular brushing and flossing. Preparing properly for this routine visit ensures the appointment is efficient and productive for both the patient and the dental team. Taking a few proactive steps can streamline the administrative process and enhance the quality of the cleaning.
Gathering Essential Documentation and Health Information
The administrative side of a dental appointment begins with financial and identification details. Patients should confirm their current insurance coverage and bring their dental insurance card, along with a form of personal identification, such as a driver’s license. It is also helpful to verify that the dental office has the most up-to-date contact information and any recent changes to your address or phone number on file.
Compiling a complete and current list of all medications is important preparation. This list should include all prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements, along with the specific dosages for each item. Many common medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and certain blood pressure drugs, can cause a reduction in saliva flow, leading to dry mouth (xerostomia), which increases the risk of tooth decay.
Some medications, like specific calcium channel blockers or anticonvulsants, can cause gingival overgrowth, making it challenging for the hygienist to clean below the gum line. Providing this detailed medication list allows the dental team to adjust their assessment, look for specific side effects, and understand potential drug interactions that might affect the cleaning. Any recent significant health events, including new diagnoses of chronic conditions (like diabetes or heart issues) or recent surgeries or hospitalizations, should also be noted for the dental staff.
Physical Preparation and Logistics for the Day
Physical preparation focuses on maximizing the effectiveness of the professional cleaning and ensuring personal comfort. It is recommended to brush and floss thoroughly right before leaving home for the appointment. While the hygienist performs a deep cleaning to remove calculus, this pre-cleaning removes surface plaque and food debris, allowing the professional to focus immediately on stubborn deposits and accurately assess the underlying condition of the teeth and gums.
Arriving at the office approximately 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled time is advisable, especially if new patient forms or updated health history documents need to be completed. This buffer time ensures a relaxed start and prevents the delay of subsequent patients. For personal comfort, wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid heavy or dangling jewelry, which can interfere with the positioning of the x-ray machine or the dental chair.
Patients should consider what they consume shortly before their visit, as it can affect comfort and assessment. Eating a large meal immediately prior to the appointment can cause discomfort when lying back in the dental chair. Avoiding highly pigmented beverages (such as coffee or red wine) or brightly colored foods just before the visit can prevent temporary staining that might interfere with a visual assessment of the enamel.
Addressing Specific Patient Needs and Concerns
Certain medical histories necessitate specific actions before the cleaning appointment, primarily involving antibiotic pre-medication. For patients with particular heart conditions, such as a prosthetic heart valve, a history of infective endocarditis, or certain complex congenital heart defects, prophylactic antibiotics are required. These antibiotics are taken shortly before the procedure to prevent bacteria from the mouth from entering the bloodstream and causing infection.
While guidelines for artificial joints have changed, patients with prosthetic joints, especially those with complicating factors (like a suppressed immune system or a history of joint infection), should confirm with their orthopedic surgeon if pre-medication is necessary. It is the patient’s responsibility to confirm the requirement for these antibiotics and take them precisely as directed before arriving. Failure to do so may result in the appointment being rescheduled.
Patients who experience dental anxiety should communicate this concern to the staff when booking the appointment or upon arrival. Informing the dental team allows them to accommodate the patient with relaxation techniques, frequent breaks, or by discussing mild sedation options. Reporting any sensitivities, such as to temperature changes during the cleaning, or known allergies, like a latex sensitivity, allows the hygienist to use appropriate, non-irritating materials and techniques.